An atmosphere of tension has gripped the Khilkhet area of the capital after a group of fundamentalists issued a 24‑hour ultimatum to remove a makeshift Durga temple built on railway land. The threat was announced during a protest rally late on Monday, June 23, prompting fears and concern within the local Hindu community.
The crisis began when the temple committee started constructing a permanent boundary wall around the temporary Durga temple site in Khilkhet. This sparked objections from some nearby residents, who claimed the structure violated regulations. The group escalated their demands by issuing an ultimatum for the temple to be removed by 12:00 PM on Tuesday.
Suman Sudha, a member of the temple committee, spoke to journalists about the situation. According to him, an unidentified group arrived at the site late on Monday night, warning that the temple must be taken down within 24 hours. “This is an attack on our religious rights,” said Sudha, expressing grave concern over the threat.
Khilkhet Police Station’s Investigation Officer, Md. Ashikur Rahman, confirmed the incident. He stated that he was informed of the situation at around 12:15 AM and immediately alerted senior authorities. “Leaders of the Hindu community came to the police station, and we have been holding discussions to de-escalate the situation,” Rahman said. He further stated that a meeting with local residents will be organized to find a peaceful solution and prevent any untoward incidents.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khilkhet Police Station, Md. Kamal Hossain, stated that the temple had long been a temporary structure located on railway land, surrounded only by a tin fence. The tension surfaced when the temple authorities began constructing a permanent boundary wall, prompting objections from some locals. Police responded quickly to the scene around 10 PM and brought the situation under control.
On Tuesday morning, personnel from the Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) visited the site and held separate meetings with both the local residents and the temple committee. According to OC Kamal Hossain, both parties in Khilkhet have pledged to refrain from any further provocations. Additionally, discussions have taken place between the temple authorities and the Railway authorities, and it has been agreed that the final decision about the temple’s status will be made by the Railway authority.
At present, a heightened security presence remains in the area, with law enforcement closely monitoring the situation. The future of the temple on the railway land is still undecided, and authorities have assured that every effort will be made to resolve the matter peacefully and prevent any further tensions.
Publication Date: 24 June, 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue: banglatribune
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